For many bass anglers, early spring is a waiting game. Water temperatures are still rising, and largemouth and smallmouth bass are just beginning to move toward their spawning beds. But while you’re waiting for the bass bite to heat up, there’s another aggressive predator already in full swing—bowfin. Often overlooked as a game fish, bowfin are incredibly active in early spring as they enter their spawning season, making now the perfect time to target them.

The Case for Bowfin: An Underrated Predator

Bowfin (Amia calva) have been around for over 150 million years, surviving virtually unchanged since the age of the dinosaurs. While many anglers dismiss them as “trash fish,” they’re actually one of the most interesting freshwater predators in North America. Their ability to breathe air with a primitive lung allows them to survive in low-oxygen waters and even stay out of water for up to two days. This unique adaptation, combined with their raw power and aggressive feeding behavior, makes them an exciting target for any angler looking to test their skills

Why Spring Is Prime Time for Bowfin

Unlike bass, which are still sluggish in early spring, bowfin are already in peak spawning mode. They become more aggressive as they protect their territory and seek out food. This means they’re more likely to smash a lure with little hesitation. If you’re used to finesse fishing for pre-spawn bass, switching to bowfin can be a fun way to keep your rod bent while waiting for bass season to heat up.

Bowfin inhabit many of the same waters as bass, including backwater sloughs, weedy shallows, and slow-moving rivers. As the water warms, they push into these areas to spawn, making them easier to locate. The best time to target them is during warm afternoons when they move into the shallows to feed aggressively.

The Fight: Bowfin Bring the Heat

If you think a bass fights hard, wait until you hook into a bowfin. These fish are built for power, with thick, muscular bodies and a tail designed for explosive bursts of speed. Unlike bass, which often jump and shake their heads, bowfin bulldog their way toward cover, thrashing and rolling like an alligator. A 23-inch bowfin, like the one I recently caught on a weightless Googan Baits Bandito Bug, will give you a fight that rivals—or even surpasses—that of a similarly sized bass.

Many bass fishermen spend time chasing northern pike or musky for their fighting ability, but bowfin are an excellent alternative. They’re more common, easier to find, and just as powerful. Plus, because of their ability to survive in low-oxygen environments, they are much more resilient than other toothy predators, making them a great fish for catch-and-release practice.

Gear and Tactics: How to Catch Bowfin

Catching bowfin doesn’t require a huge departure from bass fishing gear, but a few adjustments will help you land more fish. Here’s what you need:

Rod and Reel: A medium-heavy to heavy rod with a strong backbone is ideal. A baitcasting setup with at least 30-50 lb braided line works best since bowfin have sharp teeth and powerful runs.
Lures: Soft plastics like creature baits, craws, and swimbaits work well, especially when fished weightless or with a light Texas rig. Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and topwater frogs also get explosive strikes.
Hooks: Use strong, thick-gauge hooks. Bowfin have bony mouths, and a weak hook will bend or break during a fight.
Leader: While bowfin don’t have the razor-sharp teeth of a pike, they can still cut through lighter lines. A short fluorocarbon or wire leader can help prevent break-offs.

When targeting bowfin, focus on areas with thick vegetation, fallen trees, or slow-moving backwaters. Cast near structure and be ready for an aggressive hit. Once hooked, bowfin often thrash wildly, so keeping steady pressure on the fish is key.

Catch and Release: Handling Bowfin Safely

Bowfin are incredibly tough fish, but handling them properly ensures they stay healthy after release. Here are a few tips:

Use Pliers: Their strong jaws and sharp teeth can make unhooking tricky. A good pair of long-nose pliers will help you remove the hook safely.
Avoid Excessive Handling: Unlike bass, bowfin don’t need to be “lipped.” Hold them firmly behind the head if necessary, but avoid squeezing their body too hard.
Let Them Recover: Bowfin’s ability to breathe air makes them more resilient than other species, but giving them a moment to regain their strength before release is always a good practice.

Bowfin Deserve More Respect

Bowfin have long been unfairly labeled as “rough fish,” but they play an essential role in the ecosystem. As apex predators, they help control populations of smaller fish and maintain healthy waterways. They may not be as popular as bass, but any angler who hooks into one will quickly realize they’re just as exciting—if not more so—than their more celebrated counterparts.

For bass fishermen, targeting bowfin in early spring is a great way to stay on the water and sharpen your skills while waiting for the bass spawn. They hit hard, fight like crazy, and can be caught using many of the same lures and techniques. If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping fishing experience this spring, don’t overlook the bowfin. Give them a try—you might just find a new favorite fish to chase.

Why Bass Fishermen Should Give Bowfin a Try This Spring

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